The island’s public swimming pool, typically open only during the summer months, will be open this Sunday for free lap and open swims.

This is the second year in a row the Vashon Park District has hosted such an event, complete with free food, games and music. Aquatics Director Scott Bonney said the day, called the May Day Splashdown, is intended as a public thank you.

“The big reason is to honor the commitment the community has made in support of the pool,” he said. “The community support is tremendous.”

Bonney, who is entering his sixth year managing the facility, said the pool will be ready for swimming, regardless of the weather.

“The water is going to be warm and ready to go,” he said.

The day’s lap swim will be between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., and open swim will be from 1 to 5 p.m.

Islanders can also sign up that day for early season discount pool passes, swimming lessons, the Seals swim team and summer sailing camp.

Last year the event was held early in April and drew a crowd typical of a warm summer day. The pool water temperature reached 86 degrees, while the air did not rise above 50 degrees.

The pool day comes at a time when the park district is paying increased attention to the pool, which it has managed since 2010, when King County, in the midst of budget cuts, decided to “mothball” the popular facility.

The pool, built in the 1970s, is showing its age, and the park district recently hired Tacoma-based ORB Architects — specialists in pools and aquatic facilities — to conduct a thorough analysis of the pool. Vashon Park District Executive Director Elaine Ott noted the scope of the review includes the pool’s architectural elements, including its foundation, deck work and tiling, as well as its electrical and mechanical systems.

The firm conducted its initial review a couple weeks ago and submitted a preliminary draft to the district last Friday, Ott said. Moving ahead, it will determine immediate, short-term (within two years), and longer-term priorities at the pool and advise on costs.

The park board was expected to discuss the pool’s immediate needs at its meeting Tuesday night, after press time.

For more information about the pool, including Sunday’s event, call Scott Bonney at 240-7721. The park district is actively seeking lifeguards, swim instructors and cashiers to work at the pool this summer. To apply, see vashonparkdistict.org

— Susan Riemer